December, 2016

Driver Survey Serves up Surprises

Posted: Apr 25, 2012 11:42 AM | Last Updated: Oct 29, 2014 5:07 PM

EVANSVILLE, IN — Atlas Van Lines’ drivers love Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee, Subway for sandwiches, and Tums for the tummy.

For the eighth year, the Indiana-based hauler has surveyed its team of drivers and emerged with the fascinating annual King of the Road Survey. (Florida, for instance, is the state with the best rest stops, the survey says. And their second-favorite fast-food joint is Wendy’s.)

The results were released as part of the company’s annual driver appreciation week, known within Atlas as BRAVO (Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators.)

The drivers, from 37 states and seven provinces, responded to a lengthy questionnaire that covered everything from favorite places to bunk (Super 8 Motels) to favorite scenic views. (Banff, in Canada.)

The results paint an interesting and somewhat surprising picture of the average North American Atlas driver.

For one thing, according to the survey, drivers are more likely to tune into classic rock, talk radio, or rock stations than they are country. (A full 44 percent said their go-to station is classic rock. The same percentage went for talk.)

Also, drivers are far more health conscious than one might think. When asked what their favorite on-road snack was, 48 percent of drivers reported fresh fruit! Next came mixed nuts, at 30 percent. Only 13 percent said candy.

Drivers are also staying connected like never before. In the past three years, the survey says, smartphone use among drivers has increased from 14 to 60 percent.

Plus, their favorite thing to do when not on the road? The vast majority “hang out with the family.”

“Given that the majority of our professional truck drivers spend more than 30 weeks out of the year on the road, this survey is a great way to let these seasoned road warriors share their knowledge and preferences with the rest of us,” said Glen Dunkerson, chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group.

“With summer vacation and road trips just around the corner, the recommendations in the King of the Road Survey can help travelers stay fit while on the road, identify the best hotel chain, food and much more.”